Zohra Sehgal gets electrically cremated

The family adhered to the veteran actor’s last wish of electrically cremating her

The last rites of late cinema and theatre doyenne Zohra Sehgal were conducted here Friday morning in the presence of her near and dear ones.

Zohra, whom many referred to as Bollywood’s ‘grand old lady’, was cremated at the Dayanand Muktidham Crematorium Ground and Electric Crematorium at Lodhi Road.

Her last rites were conducted by her son Pavan Sehgal, while her daughter Kiran Sehgal remained composed until Zohra’s body was placed on the pyre. Wrapped in a beige shawl, her body was covered with flowers, including rose petals and marigold, and the steps down to her pyre were also decorated.

The actor died Thursday following a cardiac arrest. She was 102. Her wish was to have an electric cremation, but since the device was not functioning at crematorium, the family chose to go for the traditional cremation.

Wreaths from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and National School of Drama were placed to honour the artist, who dedicated over seven decades of her life to entertaining audiences.

The moment her pyre was lit, a lady from the crowd shouted – “Zohra aapa, Laal Salaam, Amar rahe Zohra aapa”. And many joined her in unison.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, currently the Kerala governor, was the first to arrive.

“It was hard to describe Zohra Sehgal. She was always vibrant and cheerful. She had a great memory, and I have met her several times, and I remember her as a very good human being,” Dixit said here.

Among other known faces who came to bid ‘salaam’ to Zohra, included writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar and his wife Shabana Azmi; theatre director M.K. Raina who made a documentary on her, actor Roshan Seth, Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar.

Zohra’s family members and friends were also in attendance, and made up a crowd of around 100 at the venue.

She will always be remembered as vibrant and vivacious actress, said her well-wishers and fans.